Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but how can you tell a good diamond from the rest? How can you avoid getting cheated into paying a lot of money for a substandard diamond when there are so many jewellers out there selling diamond rings? Good diamonds may cost more but if you are looking to give the special girl in your life the best, they are certainly worth the investment.
Especially for the men, here are some valuable tips on choosing good diamonds for your wife’s diamond engagement ring.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond describes how flawless the diamond is and whether it has any inclusions or blemishes. Diamonds are generally graded according to the grading scheme by the Gemological Institute of America and can range from Flawless (which is top of the range) to Included #3 (which is the bottom of the range).
Generally, if viewing with the naked and untrained eye, it will be difficult for us to pick up any imperfections. Hence it will be recommended to purchase your diamond from a reputable jeweller who will not cheat you.
A higher clarity diamond is normally more expensive than one that has inclusions or blemishes.
Colour
Diamonds can range from colourless to tinges of yellow, pink or even brown and grey. Some diamonds come in vibrant yellows, blues, greens, pinks or even reds which are caused by its natural formation. These diamonds tend to be more expensive as they are more rarely found. Diamonds in engagement rings are typically near colourless or colourless. Again, to an untrained eye, it can be a little hard to discern a colourless diamond from a colour tinged one especially under the bright spotlights in the jeweller’s shop.
Colourless diamonds usually tend to cost more than those with tinges of colours.
Carat
One of the most debated Cs of a diamond, the carat measures the weight of the diamond. Interestingly, a large carat diamond, e.g. 2-carat diamond may actually cost less than a 1-carat diamond as 1-carat diamonds are more rare. A bigger carat diamond may not necessarily be better as it may be rougher than a smaller carat diamond or less well cut. So although big carat diamonds may seem impressive on a ring, remember that it might have actually costed less than a smaller but finer diamond.
Cut
The cut of the diamond ultimately determines the brillance of it. How well cut it is will define how brillantly it sparkles. A good and well cut diamond does not require the harsh spotlights to sparkle. It will sparkle even in the faintest of lights as its perfectly proportioned facets reflect the light.
Ultimately, the beauty and value of a diamond lies not in its carat, clarity or colour. It is in its cut that a diamond is magically transformed to the sparkling gemstone that women have come to love all over the world. So if you are shopping for your engagement diamond ring with a limited budget, it is recommended to choose a diamond with a good cut over the other Cs. It may cost you a premium but the sparkle in your loved one’s eyes will be worth that sparkle in your diamond.